Marcia Dixon
A Grounded Theory study of Process in the Herbalist's Approach to Glucose control in Type Two Diabetic Individuals
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Abstract
The rapidly increasing incidence of type two diabetes has caused epidemiologists to predict that it will likely become the most prevalent disease of the 21st century. Herbs have an historically established use in the treatment of type two diabetes. Substantial research to establish herb efficacy has been performed; however, this research does not address the process by which herbalists approach glucose control. The descriptive mode in grounded theory methodology was utilized to identify phenomena in the processes herbalists employ to approach glucose control in type two diabetic individuals. Herbalists attending a workshop recommended colleagues for inclusion on the initial screening list. Further screening resulted in three practicing Western herbalists participating in the semistructured audiotape-recorded interview process. The constant comparative method, and three stages of coding presented several core themes. Data analysis revealed the allencompassing theme, Instigating Change, and two key core themes in the herbalist’s process namely, meeting the patients where they are and agency, a means to overcoming barriers, offering a skeletal outline of conceptual and structural elements from which to formulate the treatment approach. Member checks were performed to ensure trustworthiness of the data collected. This dissertation offers foundational research in the development of theory in the discipline of herbal medicine as it pertains to glucose control in type two diabetes. Future research could focus on expanding herbal theory, specifically how herbalists practice in a clinical setting.
